IT is not for the want of trying but hotels can often be forgotten when it comes to decide where to eat out with friends, family and colleagues.
The food on offer at Holiday Inn Kettering-Corby shows why hotel dining should not just be for overnight guests but for locals looking for a fresh alternative.
The multi-million-pound transformation of the hotel has given the facilities a contemporary feel, including the restaurant which is just off the open lobby where guests can take advantage of the ‘cafe’ style layout.
The Thursday night we were invited to try out the restaurant the lobby was bustling with guests and the large screen television was showing Sky Sports.
Remarkably, even though the restaurant is literally ’round the corner’ the light, inviting decor creates a different atmosphere which means we could concentrate on our food rather than who was putting the ball in the back of the net.
The friendly staff have always been one of the hotel’s greatest assets and this visit was no exception. Attentive without being overbearing – there’s nothing more annoying than being asked if the food is ok when you have just taken a bite.
Real effort has been put in to the menu which includes traditional classics like scampi, beef bourguignon or chilli con carne alongside rustic-style pasta dishes, jacket potatoes and more adventurous options. This night the specials board offered a starter of spicy chicken on skewers with chilli sauce, a main of tandoori chicken curry with Bombay potatoes, rice and nan bread and white chocolate and pomegranate cheesecake with cream and a fruit coulis
But let’s start at the very beginning. Starters can make or break a meal – get it wrong and plate envy kicks in but get it right and spend your time fending off snatch tactics from your dining partner.
Thankfully this time we both pulled it out of the bag. We always try to opt for a dish we would not usually cook at home and the menu selections gave us plenty of options.
For him tender rings of calamari with mayonnaise boasting a hint of garlic and for me tempura vegetables including slices of sweetcorn, red pepper and carrot. I would have preferred the nose-tingling wasabi mayonnaise to be served in a pot rather than swirled underneath the crunchy tempura, but it was not the end of the world.
To be honest, more pressure comes when he opted for a steak. He likes his meat rare with a vet on standby and will send it back if it is overdone. Thankfully, this steak met expectations, so he was pleased he didn’t go for alternatives like the mixed grill or the burgers, including one with barbecue pulled pork.
My duck confit was served with red cabbage and a generously-sized potato rosti which made up for not having the chips that came with the steak.
The dessert options were another temptation and while I really enjoyed the cheesecake on the specials board it was the traditional sticky toffee pudding served with ice cream that won treat of the day.
While we relaxed after the meal it was good to see more people trying out the restaurant. Prices are reasonable, and the restaurant’s layout means there is room for people to talk business or relax with family, friends and colleagues without getting the feeling that you are ‘sitting on top’ of another party.
All day dining is available until 11pm, with breakfast, which comes highly recommended, served until 10.30am. For those who just fancy a coffee then head to the lobby where Starbucks is served to guests and non-residents.
To discuss your requirements and group packages contact the events team on 01536 401020.
Events@hicorby.com
www.hicorby.com/
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